Buffing, Polishing and Finishing Pads

[ripple_effect]

hi,

i would like to gather some inputs regarding buffing, polishing and finishing pads. i'm kinda bit confused on when to use it in a sense that:

-do i use the pads to apply the wax, polish and/or sealant then finish off with hand buffing? this i know i'll need to prime the pads.

-do i use the hand application for the wax, polish and/or sealant then remove excess wax, polish, and/or sealant by machine? do i need to prime the pads for this approach?

any risks or pointers that i could use?

thanks!

[greg0303]

Re: Buffing, Polishing and Finishing Pads

-do i use the pads to apply the wax, polish and/or sealant then finish off with hand buffing? this i know i'll need to prime the pads.

Yes, buffing pads can be used to apply paint cleaners/ compounds, polishes and waxes/ sealants. If you use a dual action (D/A) polisher you could apply "X" or circle pattern of product, or prime your buffing pad (priming is necessary using DA Microfiber Correction System).
All products, except waxes/ sealants, you remove right after polishing and microfiber towels serve best for product removal. Waxes/ sealants are left to dry and then wiped off.

-do i use the hand application for the wax, polish and/or sealant then remove excess wax, polish, and/or sealant by machine? do i need to prime the pads for this approach?

You could apply polishes and waxes/ sealants by hand using soft foam or microfiber applicators, or you could use a polisher.
You could remove product using microfiber towel or car polisher and bonnet put over cutting foam pad.

You could prime your buffing pads while applying polishes and waxes/ sealants. Most modern waxes/ sealants require thin application so don't overuse them and don't apply too much product as you're going to have a hard time removing them.

Here's the full list for D/A polishers:

[ripple_effect]

Re: Buffing, Polishing and Finishing Pads

thank you for the input. i was actually using a Black and Decker WPK1300 rotary buffer shod with SM Arnolds Buff N Shine.

[greg0303]

Re: Buffing, Polishing and Finishing Pads

If you mostly work with rotary buffers then laying 6"-8" bead of product on paint surface and picking it up using 10 at 10 technique works best.
It's also good to mist fresh and dry pad, before initial use, with M34 Final Inspection.

Here's rotary buffer chart:

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Buffing, Polishing and Finishing Pads

The most labor intensive part of any process, whether compounding, polishing or waxing, is the application of the product. Application usually means working the product against the paint with some degree of aggressiveness, (generally a lot for compounds and progressively less for each subsequent step) and letting the buffer do that task is the way to go. Removing the product once it's broken down (compounds, cleaners, polishes) or dried (wax and sealant) is the easy part and therefore best done by hand.